i am here among you...

"I'm happy to be a part of this family. But I feel like my happiness doesn't bring joy to papa—especially not to mama. I'm confused I don’t know how to make you see me as part of your family. I've tried so hard to keep walking alongside you all.

But papa, I don’t know how much longer I can keep following the path you've chosen. Up until this very moment, in this very place... only now do I feel like you truly see me. Thank you for the efforts you've made for me.

If I may ask—please...
show your care for me in front of Mama.
I want you both to know that I’m here—
that I exist among you."

-Therese Fernandez